“We all know the skills shortages in critical areas are a drag on our economy,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.  

“We need more highly-skilled people to help us solve problems and seize opportunities in priority areas like aged care, nursing, teaching, climate adaptation, energy transition, digitisation and cyber security. 

“Jobs and Skills Australia will be central to helping us achieve this. 

“We welcome the new agency’s focus to work with education providers, state and territory governments, unions and industry to chart the future workforce, and skills and training needs of the economy. 

“The agency will build on the important work of the National Skills Commission and Commissioner Adam Boyton who pointed out that, of the million new jobs that will be created in Australia over the next five years, 53 per cent are going to need a university degree. 

“Universities are teaching and delivering the skilled people required for parts of the economy experiencing significant demand – from STEM and IT to teaching and health. 

“We look forward to working with Jobs and Skills Australia at the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit this September and will be constructive partners with the agency into the future.”